More than 40 million adults struggle with some form of depression in the United States annually, and truck drivers are increasingly susceptible. Long-hauler truckers spend extended periods away from home without consistent human contact. Those are contributing factors why upwards of 13.6 percent of CDL professionals experience depression at some point. By understanding depression and confronting it, industry leaders can take steps to improve mental health within the industry.
What is Depression?
Also known as “major depressive order” in clinical circles, depression is essentially a form of mood disruption. People who experience depression feel a pervasive sense of sadness and diminished interest in life. Although sadness and apathy are common reactions to life’s adversity and loss, intense and prolonged feelings may indicate a severe condition.
Some people’s emotions escalate from sadness to hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness that linger for days, weeks, and even months. Depression is not necessarily a curable condition. However, it can be treated with therapy, medication, as well as identifying and managing roots causes.
How Can Trucking Companies Help Reduce Depression?
By looking at depression triggers, employers can implement policy changes that support improved mental health. Ranked among the common depression factors are too much time alone, lack of restful sleep, and subpar physical health. To some degree, decision-makers can implement company policy changes that improve working conditions. These may include the following.
1: Allow Co-Pilots
People who work exclusively at warehouses and front offices typically don’t have a point of reference to compare with long-hauling trucking. The extreme isolation of pulling 11 hours of on-duty driving has a cumulative effect on truckers. One way to cure this issue is for a freight outfit’s policymaker to pull a cross-country run or a road trip that mirrors the OTR experience. After a week of almost zero human contact, they’ll understand why an occasional side-kick proves beneficial.
2: Test for Sleep Apnea
A reported 28 percent of truck drivers suffer from sleep apnea. This breathing disorder disrupts restful sleep and leaves drivers feeling fatigued. Contributing factors usually include cigarette smoking, obesity, alcohol use, and genetic predisposition. By testing drivers who feel tired often, companies can identify a root cause, and truckers can take steps to manage the condition.
3: Improve Communication Technology
Younger and Millennial truck drivers grew up in the technology age where people routinely communicate electronically. This can be a huge plus for freight transportation outfits that want to combat depression. By installing the latest video-chat technology, Wi-Fi boosting devices, and other next-generation technologies, drivers can feel more connected to loved ones back home. While seasoned truckers may not have the same comfort level with video conferencing, talking to their grandchildren after logging hundreds of miles lightens the mood.
Sources: ttnews.com, smart-trucking.com, gtgtechnologygroup.com
Leave a Comment